Data center energy bill hits speed bump

Source: Politico

06/25/2026 08:02 AM EDT


A call from a powerful House Democrat to impose a nationwide moratorium on new data center development exposed new divisions in Congress over how aggressively to regulate the fast-moving industry — and whether to act at all.

The surprise call from Energy and Commerce ranking member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) overshadowed a vote Wednesday on bipartisan legislation to make sure ratepayers don’t foot the bill for energy infrastructure associated with data center expansion.

And even if the Ratepayer Protection Act can get through the House, top Senate lawmakers are divided on how and whether to move forward with federal data center legislation.

Pallone, who would take over Energy and Commerce next year should Democrats win back the House, called that bill and others being considered by the Energy Subcommittee “not nearly enough.”. Citing the significant energy needs of data centers and other environmental impacts, Pallone said, “we need action, not toothless promises from Big Tech.”

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/25/data-center-energy-bill-hits-speed-bump-00974887